CMAI organizes landmark Conclave and Fashionova show in Surat

11 July, Mumbai 2025

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) successfully hosted a landmark Garment Conclave in Surat on July 5, 2025. Organized by CMAI’s Gujarat Regional Office and powered by the Institute of Design and Technology (IDT), this event was the first national-level conclave held in Surat. It featured engaging presentations and panel discussions covering crucial topics such as brand building, artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, sustainability, government policies, and MSME schemes. Senior officials from the Gujarat and Chhattisgarh governments, along with representatives from the United Nations, participated actively.

The Conclave kicked off with a vital session on the Gujarat Government's New Textile Policy, where KC Sampat, Managing Director, IndexTB, reiterated the state's commitment to industry support. Naresh Babuta, General Manager, SIDBI, highlighted the institution's focus on the MSME sector, particularly the garment industry. Billmart also presented its bill discounting solutions to streamline working capital for Surat businesses.

A key highlight of the event was the participation of top leaders from prominent apparel brands, including Ashish Dixit, Managing Director, ABFRL; Namit Shrivastava, Category Head, Ethnix By Raymonds; Jitendra Chauhan, Chairman and Managing Director, Jade Blue; Manohar Chatlani, Co-Owner, Soch; Santosh Katariya Managing Director, Peppermint, Madhukar Sharma Pantaloons; and Deepak Ahuja, Westside. They delivered insightful presentations, showcasing garments made from Surat fabrics and expressing strong interest in collaborating with Surat manufacturers to integrate them into the ready-made garment sector. Acclaimed Fashion Designer Nivedita Saboo further inspired attendees by sharing her positive experiences working with Surat.

The Conclave also addressed critical industry trends with dedicated sessions on Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Representatives from the United Nations, Radhika Kaul Batra and Dr Pankaj Kumar, contributed to the sustainability discussion alongside Parvinder from GATS. Presented by FYND, generated significant buzz, this interactive session demonstrated the industry's keen interest in technological advancement.

Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, stated, rising as an MMF powerhouse, Surat provides an an integrated supply chain and well-developed trade infrastructure, uniquely positioned for significant growth. The association is observing an increased attention from global brands, a testament to Surat's immense potential, particularly amidst instability in other garment-producing regions. Naveen Sainani, General Secretary & Chairman-ESG Committee, CMAI, emphasized the urgent need for India's domestic apparel industry to embrace sustainability.

Powered by IDT, the fashion show, ‘Fashionova 2025 showcased creations by students with a strong emphasis on sustainable fashion. It hosted a special sequence dedicated to ‘Operation Sindoor,’ The event marked a significant milestone in Surat's evolution, consolidating its position as an emerging leader in India's ready-made garment industry.

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